1. Introduction

Design a collaborative, multigenerational place to craft, learn, and invent.

A makerspace is a workshop or studio where you can create crafts, and share your interests, hobbies, and talents using a mix of traditional tools and new technology. It’s a place to have some fun while learning new skills to tap your potential, to make things, and solve problems together through science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). It’s a place for creative problem-solving and invention through design processes and by adopting a maker mindset where everything from “mistakes” to finished projects represent an opportunity to learn and improve. 

Create a makerspace to strengthen communities and build career pathways.

Why multigenerational making in affordable housing? Makerspaces are collaborative spaces that bring together and strengthen communities. Diversifying who participates in makerspace cultures strengthens our collective, creative problem-solving abilities, and participation builds the skills and dispositions that can support a STEM career trajectory and career pathways out of poverty.

Makerspaces provide opportunities for multiple generations to have fun crafting and creating no-, low-, and high-tech projects together, and to learn from and support each other. The importance and value of “stumbling upon” STEM early on in life in one’s own home cannot be understated. Co-locating makerspaces in affordable housing organically connects residents with education and career pathways, and builds industry-needed workforce skill development. Many of the in-demand, well-paying jobs require STEM skills. As such, a co-located makerspace has the potential to alleviate housing insecurity. 

Co-design with the community to ensure resident voice and right fit.

Design your makerspace and associated programming in close collaboration with the resident community. This approach, known as “co-designing,” helps to ensure that residents have a direct hand in shaping the direction of the program by using inclusive, collaborative processes to define high-level goals and values, and to  inform decisions for the program as it unfolds.

Establish goals to guide your decisions

Over the course of your project, there will be many things competing for your attention and effort. To keep on course, establish goals to guide your project. Hold community gatherings for input. Revisit and reflect on your goals often. As your project takes shape, you will have new insights and understandings. These will help reshape your goals for an even better fit with the interests and values of the community, and will be more grounded in what is feasible and more sustainable for the program in the long run.

The Bayview Makes program: How we approached it

As we made decisions, we relied on best practices, community input, and research-driven goals; however, there was lots of improvising and pivoting. We have compiled what we have learned in this Playbook. We hope these valuable guidelines will help you chart your course as you move forward with your own makerspace project.

Our makerspace strategy was shaped by the following goals:

• Co-design the makerspace and associated programming together with the community.

• Encourage STEAM education and hands-on learning by co-locating a makerspace directly in the affordable housing community.

• Provide residents with chances to explore their interests, learn new skills, and pursue creative hobbies.

• Offer residents the opportunity to use tools, equipment, and materials for creative projects and building skills.

• Build a strong community by arranging workshops, classes, and group projects in the makerspace and associated community spaces.

• Encourage resident innovation and entrepreneurship by providing resources and mentorship for their projects.

• Encourage residents to connect and interact with each other by establishing a space for creativity and collaboration.

• Boost residents' well-being by promoting a sense of achievement and personal growth through maker activities.

• Work together with local organizations and experts to provide specialized workshops and training sessions.